Dear Santa: Robin’s Christmas Wishlist

This year had been an interesting year, in the horological world at least. We have seen some amazing novelties over the last twelve months, especially with some blockbuster launches from some of the biggest names in the industry.

What are some of the watches that had caught my eyes this year? Also, will there be some changes to the selections that I have made in my wishlist last year? Let’s read on to find out!

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatique

I came across this timepiece pretty much by chance – some might even call the encounter an “occupational hazard”. You see, the team at Deployant were given a few pieces of Bvlgari watches to review, and I was allocated the Octo Finissimo Automatique. The rest, as they said, is history.

The Octo Finissimo Automatique is a combination of art and technical finesse. I like how the Bvlgari plays around with geometric shapes in its design, as well as the brand’s obsession to push beyond technical boundaries to make some of the thinnest timepieces in the world. On top of that, Bvlgari did not neglect the finishing aspect too – and we admit that this is one damn fine piece inside out. This is certainly one of the top watches in my wishlist this year.

MB&F HM9 “Flow”

As a person who loves classic and vintage cars, the MB&F HM9 “Flow” is certainly something that had caught my eye. The watch, which was inspired by classic cars such as the Mercedes-Benz W196, features a rather curvaceous and beautiful case design. It is simply mind-blowing.

I also personally like how MB&F incorporates interesting cues into its timepieces. For instance, I like how they use sapphire crystals to showcase the watch’s twin balance wheel and making it a part of its design scheme. It is also important to note that it is rather difficult to shape the sapphire crystals into the ones that are used on the HM9 as well.

I have always seen MB&F’s watches as a work of art, and the HM9 is no exception either. This is yet another amazing timepiece from the independent watchmaker, and the HM9 is personally one of my favourite pieces from MB&F (perhaps only second to the HM3).

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V

When Vacheron Constantin launched the latest generation of the Overseas around two years back, it had certainly captured my attention. The watch is simple aesthetically, but it is a very well-made timepiece. I particularly like the variant that is fitted with the blue dial.

Besides its good looks and finishing, what I really appreciate the Overseas for is its versatility. This is all thanks to the quick strap change mechanism, which allows one to switch the straps easily to one of the three options (leather strap, rubber strap, and a stainless steel bracelet). The fact that its clean looks also allows it to look right at most occasions as well.

The Overseas is one of the watches that I have always liked. I guess it will always be on my wishlist, until I somehow manage to fulfil the dream in the distant future.

Concluding Thoughts

This concludes my Christmas wishlist for watches in 2018. The selection is pretty vast in terms of the watches’ design and philosophy – one on hand, I like watches that are clean and simple in its aesthetics (Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatique and Vacheron Constantin Overseas), but on the other hand I do enjoy complicated-looking pieces like the MB&F HM9 “Flow” as well. Ah, the disparity.

I happened to take a step back to look at my selections last year (upon finishing my selections for this article), and I was pleasantly surprised that the Vacheron Constantin Overseas had retained its spot in this year’s wishlist as well. I guess some things just never change…

Anyhow, do keep a lookout for the wishlist from the rest of the writers over the next few days. Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our wonderful readers a merry Christmas and blessed new year ahead!